Johnstown Chiefs Join Forces with Columbus, Syracuse

The Johnstown Chiefs announced Friday that they have signed an agreement with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2008-09 season. The Chiefs will be the Blue Jackets' secondary minor league affiliate. The Syracuse Crunch will remain the Blue Jackets' primary partner.

"We are extremely happy to be working with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Syracuse Crunch because, as an organization, they believe in developing their prospects the right way, and that's what we strive for here," said Chiefs coach Ian Herbers in a statement.

The Colorado Avalanche and Lake Erie Monsters are also affiliates of the Chiefs.

"We are very excited to be partnering with the Chiefs this year. Developing players is crucial to the long term success of any team and we feel Johnstown will be a positive place for our young players to learn the game and gain professional experience," Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement.

Last season the Crunch and Blue Jackets were affiliated with the Elmira Jackals.